Tagged: Lake of the Ozarks

Owners of waterfront property at the Lake of the Ozarks are breathing a sigh of relief this morning.

In July, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued an order that many structures built too close to the lake, including homes and apartment and condominium complexes, would have to be removed because they interfered with the operation of Ameren Missouri's Osage hydroelectric operation.

Water samples taken this week from 12 coves at the Lake of the Ozarks did not contain elevated E. Coli levels, but two Missouri beaches will remain closed because of elevated average amounts of the bacteria.

All 12 samples are from coves in the lake's upper region, from the Highway 65 bridge to the Brown Bend area 30 miles down-lake.  Renee Bungart with the Department of Natural Resources says the upper-lake testing is part of a 5-year study to examine the Lake of the Ozark's ecological health.

If you were planning on going swimming at three specific Missouri state beaches sometime soon, you may want to make other plans.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources says "bacteria levels higher than those recommended for waters used for swimming" are the reason behind the temporary closing of beaches at:

• Grand Glaize Beach, also known as Public Beach #2, at Lake of the Ozarks State Park
• Public beaches at Mark Twain State Park
• Public beaches at Harry S Truman State Park